Matrix Games Forums

Coming from NE Ohio, Mill Springs, KY, seems like the best bet. But I remember the devs saying one of the battlefields was very difficult to access, etc. Was that Mill Springs?

Thanks!

EDIT - Should have researched before posting. Mill Springs website looks awesome.

Williamsburg is the one that isn't easily accessed (it is mostly covered with modern developments, other than fortifications). Mill Springs, in contrast, is quite well preserved, and worth the visit. As a smaller battlefield the main part can easily be seen in two hours, and you can also drive the ten miles or so to the area of the Beech Grove encampment and get a sense of the terrain and defenses there as well (an extra hour-plus for that). On the far side of the Cumberland River there apparently are some buildings at Mill Springs proper, but it's a circuitous drive to get there so I haven't been there myself, choosing to spend my time during both visits examining the main battlefield areas for map-making purposes. Which means that I need to get back there one of these days.

The area is popular for recreation, with the dammed up Cumberland River having become something of a lake/reservoir in that area. (The BAB map accurately shows the width of the river at the time, before that 1930's damming project.)

If you have the time for a big detour, Fort Donelson, in western Kentucky about 3.5-4 hours from Mill Springs, is a beautiful place to visit, and worth going to just for the natural scenery alone.

Please let us know how your visit went.

My pain management doc is at a seminar (meaning he's golfing), but as soon as I can walk my wife and I plan to go.

I have to say your PDF narrative on the battle will really bring the events to life. I hope to take some photos too. Thanks for your passion for this period of history, and very best wishes on sales of your game. I sold at least one guy on it anyway [:)]

I don't like the sound of "pain management doc" -- I hope it's nothing too long-term.

Most of the main area can be seen from close to the road, though I remember one path through the woods that would be worth taking (around the area of the blacksmith's hut, if memory serves). So, in terms of exertion this is a relatively friendly battlefield.

I'm glad that you liked Battleline's narrative. Much of the source material is in the excellent book by Hafendorfer that is available at the gift shop for about $40 (possibly the only place in the universe to buy a copy at that price). It goes into incredible detail at times (which is great for someone designing a game!), but also has some very interesting analysis. So, worth picking up.